Kuala terengganu: Syarikat Air Terengganu Sdn Bhd (SATU) has been directed to review and submit a new action plan to the state government regarding the recent water tariff hike. Terengganu State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Ali stated that the directive was issued following public complaints over the adjustment and enforcement of the new water tariff by SATU since August 1. The matter was discussed and decided at the Terengganu State Executive Council (MMKN) meeting, which reassessed issues related to the water tariff to ensure fairness for all parties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zulkifli emphasized the state government’s acknowledgment of the complaints and grievances of the people regarding SATU’s water tariff adjustment. He noted that MMKN has agreed for SATU to conduct a comprehensive review from all aspects and to submit a new action plan to the state government in the near future, aiming to address the concerns of affected consumers.

Zulkifli highlighted that the burden of higher living costs on the people, combined with the rising operating expenses faced by SATU, were among the main considerations of the state government. Previously, SATU’s chief executive officer, Abdul Karim Endut, stated that the company required approximately RM500 million to repair and replace critical sections of ageing pipelines across Terengganu.

Nearly 40 percent of SATU’s operating costs are attributed to electricity, totaling between RM70 million and RM80 million annually. This is further compounded by the added burden of electricity tariff hikes and the expansion of the sales and service tax (SST). According to Abdul Karim, the water tariff adjustment in Terengganu was made following the guidelines of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to ensure operational sustainability, including asset maintenance, water treatment, and improving service quality for the people.